Craving tacos but want to diversify and eat something other than chicken or beef?
Then try these most refreshing and heart-winning and very easy-to-make Instant Pot Fish Tacos that are going to add to your favorites once you give it a try!
This recipe would make you love tacos even more 🙂 Plus when it takes only 10 minutes to serve this amazing dish then Why Not!
Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Works
The mild flavoring flaky Tilapia fish marinated and cooked with light flavors cooked, popped into tacos, and topped with your desired toppings are just perfect for your weekday's dinner with family when you actually want to serve something really special 🙂
This recipe asks for very simple and minimum ingredients with no effort at all!
Recipe Video
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Recipe Ingredients
Tilapia Fillets - I prefer using fresh Tilapia fillets for my Fish Tacos due to their soft texture. They get deliciously crispy and tender like crispy tofu once cooked. Tap the fillets first before seasoning to remove any excess moisture.
Lime Juice - Lime juice gives a light and sweet-sour flavor to the fish. I don't like using lemon juice in my fish because it gives strong, concentrated sourness which worsens the actual mild flavor of the fish.
Smoked Paprika - As I am using no other spices in my recipe, So to give a bit smoky tangy flavor to the fish, I am adding smoked Paprika to it. This enriches the taste of the fish adding in some sweet-spicy flavor. I want to keep it decent and simple but You can also use any other spices too like cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, and some cumin powder whatever you prefer 🙂
How to make Instant Pot Fish Tacos
Here is the step-by-step guide of this recipe for your ease!
Gather all the necessary ingredients required to make this recipe.
In a shallow dish, Take 4 fresh Tilapia Fillets.
Pour 2 teaspoons of Canola Oil over all four of them.
Then season the fish with salt as per your taste and 2 tablespoons of smoked Paprika.
Squeeze lime juice over it equals 4 tablespoons.
Now, take an Instant Pot and place the trivet in its center.
Pour 1 ½ cups of Water into it.
Place the fillets in batches on the trivet and sprinkle 2 torn springs of Cilantro on it.
Lock the lid and select 'Pressure cook' then cook it on high pressure for 6 minutes. Then release it by the natural steam vent. Then uncover the lid.
Take out the fish cut it into cubes or shred it into big chunks. Divide them among tacos or tortillas. Top it with some chopped onions, cherry tomatoes, cabbage slaw, sour cream, cheese cream mayonnaise, and serve!
How to serve?
I like to garnish my fish tacos with Mexican crema, fresh cilantro leaves, avocado slices, and shredded cabbage for a little crunch. I usually try to use purple cabbage for added color, but green cabbage will work too!
If you like this Instant Pot fish taco recipe, try these vegetarian tacos or these Instant Pot chicken tacos. They’re both delicious taco recipes you’re sure to love!
You can also try the Instant Pot Carne Asada (kind of beef tacos).
If you are on a low-carb diet, check out this Instant Pot Chicken Burrito Bowl recipe.
Need more ideas? Check out What to Serve With Fish Tacos for 20 delicious side dishes.
Recipe FAQs
Can I Make it With Cod?
This pressure cooker recipe calls for tilapia, which is a firm white fish. You can substitute another white fish like cod or haddock, but since they are not quite as the firm they may fall apart a little more. Still just as delicious!
Can I Use Frozen Tilapia?
Definitely! Fresh fish can be hard to come by in certain areas, but frozen tilapia filets are widely available. If you have time, I would try to defrost the frozen tilapia before cooking if possible, but since tilapia filets are pretty thin you can also cook them straight from frozen.
How To Heat Tortillas
The easiest way to heat tortillas is to quickly warm them in the microwave layered between damp sheets of paper towels. This will keep them pliable and prevent them from drying out.
If you prefer a little char on your tortillas, you can also heat them over an open flame on a gas stovetop, one at a time. If you use this method, you should pile them under a damp towel when they are done to keep them soft and pliable.
Fish Recipes
Instant Pot Taco Recipes
Ingredients
- 4 tilapia fillets
- 2 teaspoon canola oil
- 2 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 4 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 sprigs fresh cilantro
- salt to taste
- 1 ½ cup water
Instructions
- Add water to the inner pot of the Instant pot and place the rack in it.
- Meanwhile, place tilapia in the deep dish and pour canola oil over it.
- Squeeze lime juice on it and season it with salt and smoked paprika.
- Place fillets on the rack and sprinkle torn fresh cilantro on it.
- Close the lid and press the “Manual” button.
- Cook for about 6 minutes on high pressure and then release the pressure naturally through the steam vent.
- Open the lid and take out the tilapia.
- Cut the tilapia into cubes or in any other way you want and place it on the taco.
- Top it with chopped onions, tomatoes and sauces then serve! 🙂
Nutrition
Video
Notes
- I have used store-bought tortillas in my recipe. Use any corn or flour tortillas both go perfect with fish.
- You can use any other kind of fish too like cod, flounder, or halibut but then set the time of cooking according to their firmness.
Directions aren't the clearest--is it natural release (don't open the valve) or quick release (open the valve)? Is eight servings the same as eight tacos? How big of tortillas?
Came out pretty tasty, but somehow low on flavor despite all the seasoning. I was surprised! Had unexpected leftovers after making eight 6" tacos.